Help needed for well, pipe repairs

Thursday

Dec 6, 2018 at 11:04 AMDec 6, 2018 at 11:11 AM

An elderly woman, in the early stages of dementia, needs assistance with her well and pipes.

The well requires repairs after trees fell on it. In addition, a plumber is required to find out why the pipes are leaking so water can get to the house. Someone tried to correct the problem but blew the fuses and caused more issues.

If you would like to provide assistance in this case, please refer to Case No. 288.

Thanks to the generosity and kindness of Randolph County citizens, many people have received assistance over the years through The Courier-Tribune Brighter Christmas Fund.

This effort is now a year-round program of Christians United Outreach Center and is called Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN). During this holiday season we are looking to serve folks of our community just as Brighter Christmas Fund did for many years.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors have a “Brighter Christmas” is directed by a committee of human service professionals. These volunteers represent many organizations, including The Courier-Tribune, the Randolph Senior Adults Association, Regional Consolidated Services, Habitat for Humanity of Randolph County, Hospice of Randolph County, the Randolph County Veterans Council, Christians United Outreach Center (CUOC) and at-large community members.

The purpose of the NHN is to make the community aware of special needs that are usually not addressed by existing human service agencies. If a request is received for services currently being offered by an existing agency, the request will be referred to the appropriate agency. For instance, a request for food or clothing would be referred to CUOC or a Christmas for children requests will go to Operation Red Sleigh or the Salvation Army.

Donors

Those who wish to help applicants may donate money, as well as specific goods and services. Often applicants may need delivery services, home repair or materials for such repairs.

Anyone interested in donating goods and services should call Debbie at 336-625-1450—if not available, please leave a message.

A committee member volunteer will return your call as soon as possible.

Checks should be made to CUOC / Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Donors wishing to remain anonymous or to donate to a specific request just need to memo this on the check.

Applicants

The average overall NHN request that is able to be met is $250-$500. Requests greater than that may have to be referred to other resources if the need cannot be met.

People requesting help must send:

* A letter to the programs committee stating the need, as well as supplying background information specific to the request, along with a complete address and a phone where the applicant can be reached, or a message can be left.

* Background information should include what the need is, the number of people in the family and their ages, and the monthly household income.

* All home repair requests must include a professional estimate of labor hours and materials necessary to do the job and the cost estimate to complete the job.

* A list of other agencies currently providing assistance.

The fund does not provide money for monthly expenses, such as rent or utility bills.

NOTE: if the case is referred to the COA grant, weatherization, or other resource, the applicant will be sent a letter letting them know we have made referral and have tentatively closed the case. The person will need to reapply if the referral does not work out unless it was because the request was so extensive the need could not be met.

The address for help is Neighbors Helping Neighbors have a Brighter Christmas, P.O. Box 784, Asheboro NC 27204.

The process

When a letter is received, the committee will review each request and determine which member is most appropriate to be assigned as the lead person.

The committee will meet each week to review the progress of each request and its findings. The identity of the applicants, unless consent is given, will remain confidential.

The Courier-Tribune will publish stories based on applicant letters to show potential donors what special needs exist in the community and how the needs should best be met. Applicants will be informed in writing of the committee’s recommendations as soon as possible. If requests are found to be unsuitable, efforts will be made to refer the information to the appropriate human services agency.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.